A forester is someone who looks after forests and woodlands. They help to plant new trees, take care of older trees, and make sure the forest is healthy for animals, plants, and people. Foresters also help to protect forests from diseases, fires, and pests. Sometimes, they work with machines to cut down trees safely or help with projects to encourage wildlife. The job can be outdoors in all types of weather and often involves working with other people, such as scientists or countryside rangers. Foresters play an important role in protecting the environment and making sure we have healthy forests for the future.
Foresters in the UK earn between £22,000 and £38,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are around 3,000 people employed as foresters and forest managers in the UK.
Foresters often work for organisations such as Forestry England, private estates, and conservation charities.
A person who helps plant young trees in woodlands and forests to help them grow and provide homes for animals.
Someone who looks after forests, helps people stay safe, and cares for plants and animals living in the woods.
A person who explores forests to find signs of animals, learning about where they live and how they move around.
Visit woods or parks to see trees, plants, and animals.
Spend time outdoors with a family member or teacher. Look at different types of trees and plants. Try to notice the animals that live there. This will help you become familiar with nature and understand how forests work.
Find books or watch shows about forests, trees, and wildlife.
Your local library or school might have books about forests and the creatures that live in them. Watching nature documentaries or videos online can also help you learn more about forests. Try to remember interesting facts you find.
Take part in a wildlife or environment club at school or in your local area.
Nature clubs often go on trips, do fun activities, and teach you how to look after the environment. You might get to plant trees, clean up parks, or watch birds. These activities will help you learn how to care for nature and work with others.
Grow a plant at home or at school and look after it.
You can plant seeds in a pot or in your garden. Make sure your plant gets enough water and sunlight. Watch how it grows and keep a diary of what you see. This will help you learn how plants grow and what they need to stay healthy.
Work hard in science, geography, and maths lessons.
Foresters need to understand how trees and animals live together, so doing well in these subjects will help you later on. You can ask your teacher for extra help if you find something difficult or want to learn more about forests and the environment.
See if you can meet a real forester or go to a forest event.
Sometimes parks or woodlands have events where you can meet people who work as foresters. You can ask them what they do, what they like about their job, and how they got started. This can give you great ideas for your future.
Countryside rangers look after parks, nature reserves, and open spaces, helping visitors enjoy nature and protecting plants and animals.
Ecologists study plants, animals, and the environment, often working on projects to protect wildlife and natural habitats.
Tree surgeons care for trees by pruning, planting, and treating them, often climbing trees to carry out their work safely.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
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Claire Dyson Racing and Rehabilitation
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A wonderful chance to join a successful team at Claire Dyson Racing & Rehabilitation Centre based in the Worcestershire countryside. Level 2 apprenticeship - ridden and non-riding positions available. A level 3 position will also be considered for a candidate with the right experience.
Closing date: in 13 days
Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025
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Day to day horse care, including the routine care and condition of the horses. Preparing the horses for competition or riding, health care and treatment, exercising, grooming, trimming, and travelling. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to earn a salary and gain a recognised level 2 qualification.
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A Forester and a Forestry worker both focus on managing and conserving forested areas, requiring knowledge of forest ecology, timber management, and environmental stewardship. Their roles often overlap in responsibilities related to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and sustainable resource use.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a course at an agricultural college to learn some of the skills needed to find a trainee position. Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply to do a Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
With experience, you could move on to complete a Forestry Works Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
You may find it useful when looking for jobs to have some relevant practical experience. You can find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:
You could apply directly to become a forestry worker.
You'll usually need certain licences, for instance, a licence for chainsaw operations or for driving agricultural machinery.
You can find out more about careers in forestry from the Royal Forestry Society.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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